CPUC INVESTIGATIONS RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND FINES IMPOSED ON VARIOUS MOVING COMPANIES

SAN FRANCISCO, July 19, 2012 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in its ongoing commitment to consumer protection, has recently taken a number of actions to protect consumers from illegally operating moving companies.

During the second quarter of 2012, CPUC staff took the following enforcement actions against moving companies for violations of the Public Utilities Code and CPUC rules and regulations, including Maximum Rate Tariff 4 (MAX 4), which contains maximum rates that carriers must observe as well as rules and regulations governing intrastate moves.

Overcharges and Refunds

CPUC staff assisted and/or directed moving companies to refund consumers over $15,000 for overcharges and other violations of the Maximum Rate Tariff 4.

Phone Disconnections

As part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal moving companies, the CPUC had telephone service shut off to two moving companies operating in California without a household goods permit. This company continued to advertise and hold itself out to engage in the business of transporting used household goods, notwithstanding CPUC staff directives to immediately cease and desist unlawful acts and to obtain a household goods permit.

· Larry White dba Mr. Mover, Oakland (Unlicensed): This company advertised and operated without authority. Its advertisement listed one phone number. Notwithstanding the CPUC's Cease and Desist order directing the company to immediately cease all unlawful advertisements and operations, the company continued to violate the law. On April 24, 2012, the CPUC obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by an Alameda County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the telephone number advertised and used by the company to violate criminal laws in the State of California.

· Robert Titus, et al. dba Titus Moving, Menifee (Unlicensed): This company operated and advertised without authority. Its advertisement listed one telephone number. Notwithstanding the CPUC's cease and desist order directing the company to immediately cease all unlawful operations, the company continued to violate the law. On April 26, 2012, the CPUC obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by a Riverside Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the telephone number advertised and used by the company to violate criminal laws in the State of California.

Official Notice

The following nine companies were issued an Official Notice for advertising and operating without a permit: